Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) – Mining and Mineral Processing Exam Blueprint

80Questions
480 minDuration
$375Price
1Languages
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Credential type: licensure examination · verified on the issuer's site September 25, 2026 issuer page

What This Exam Validates

The Principles and Practice of Engineering PE Mining and Mineral Processing exam evaluates professional engineering competency across five core technical domains required for professional licensure. Certified by NCEES, the linear computer-based assessment comprises exactly 80 multiple-choice questions administered continuously over a total test duration of 480 minutes for candidates.

Who Should Take This Exam

Engineers with experience in mine operations, mineral processing, and safety control. Candidates typically hold engineering degrees and seek professional licensure in the mining and mineral processing disciplines.

Skills You Should Be Ready to Demonstrate

How to Prepare

Review official NCEES documentation alongside comprehensive study guides covering ventilation plan review procedures, applicable mining regulations, and standard industry handbooks. Focus your preparation efforts heavily on operational safety standards, diesel equipment ventilation requirements, precise environmental particulate sampling guidelines, and standard mathematical calculations to achieve success.

Domain Study Guidance

Mine Development and Operations: Study Guidance

This specific domain covers standard engineering practices related to overall mine development, project execution, and day-to-day operational activities across various mining environments and active project lifecycles to ensure proper production scheduling.

Mine Safety and Environmental Control: Study Guidance

This domain focuses heavily on major mine safety protocols, mandatory regulatory compliance, and necessary environmental control measures designed to protect workers and maintain operational sustainability through effective contaminant sampling and safety practices.

Rock Mechanics and Ground Control: Study Guidance

This area addresses fundamental rock mechanics principles and standard ground control techniques required to ensure long-term underground stability, structural integrity, and worker safety during active operations by implementing proper underground strata management.

Mine Ventilation: Study Guidance

This technical section examines complex mine ventilation systems, precise air quantity calculations, and necessary regulatory plan approvals to maintain a safe working atmosphere underground for personnel through proper ventilation plan submittals and diesel equipment controls.

Mineral Processing: Study Guidance

This domain pertains directly to mineral processing operations, facility design parameters, and extractive metallurgy methods used to recover valuable minerals efficiently from mined ores during production utilizing advanced material separation circuits and techniques.

Exam-Day Guidance

Arrive at the testing center early with valid identification for your linear computer-based test. Manage your time across all multiple-choice items during the 480-minute duration.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the exam?

The engineering exam consists of exactly 80 multiple-choice questions delivered securely in a linear computer-based format. Candidates must answer all questions within the allowed testing duration.

What is the passing score?

Check directly with NCEES for current certification path details and official scoring policies, as specific passing score thresholds are determined according to standard psychometric evaluation procedures.

How long is the exam?

The professional engineering exam features an absolute duration of 480 minutes, giving registered candidates adequate time to complete all questions across the five defined technical domains.

How much does the exam cost?

The standard exam registration price is set at $375.0 as established by NCEES for candidates applying to take the professional engineering assessment in this specific discipline.

Sources and Verification

Verified 2026-08-30

How this page was made

This index page was compiled using official NCEES exam guides, certification pages, and MSHA regulatory documentation to provide verified factual guidance for engineers.

Exam Domains

1 Mine Development and Operations Weight not published
2 Mine Safety and Environmental Control Weight not published
3 Rock Mechanics and Ground Control Weight not published
4 Mine Ventilation Weight not published
5 Mineral Processing Weight not published

Exam Details

Question TypesMultiple Choice
FormatLinear (computer-based)
Online ProctoringNot available
ID RequirementsOne valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Name must match NCEES MyNCEES account exactly.
RenewalRequired -- PE and SE licenses must be renewed per state board requirements. Typically every 2 years with Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) requirements. Requirements vary by state.
PrerequisitesMust have passed FE exam and hold EIT/EI certification; 4 years of progressive engineering experience
Retake PolicyFE exams: can register immediately after receiving score report. PE exams: most states allow unlimited attempts; check your state board. Full exam fee required for each retake.
LanguagesEnglish

Official Study Resources

practice examNCEES Practice Exams ($30)